Ballinran Entertainment strikes deal with Rogers tv Waterloo Region for more dedicated Stratford content

Area residents who tune in to watch Rogers tv Waterloo Region could soon be seeing more content related to Stratford after the local TV provider agreed to expand its partnership with Stratford film-and-television production company Ballinran Entertainment.

Since 2020, Ballinran and Rogers tv have partnered on the annual Stratford Perth Remembers Remembrance Day live broadcast from the Stratford Cenotaph produced by Ballinran and distributed by Rogers tv across the region. This annual production has become widely recognized for its exceptional quality and high production standards.

With the expansion of this partnership, Rogers tv will now broadcast Ballinran's popular podcast, The Stratford Slice, three times each week. Additionally, viewers will gain access to Ballinran’s distinctive short documentaries or micro docs, auction broadcasts and various community-focused programming showcasing the vibrant culture and notable personalities of Stratford and its surrounding region.

“It means that Stratford has an outlet for stories that originate here and it’s another audience,” Ballinran president and executive producer Craig Thompson said. “In addition to what Ballinran already has, they’re also looking for new content. Because Rogers, under the (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) regulations, is a community channel, they cannot pay for programming, so they have to use the PBS or TVO model where they do billboards – ‘the following programming is made possible by blank.’

“So, we have the opportunity to create new content with community partners in Stratford, but it has to be funded and advertising driven.”

By offering some of its local productions on Rogers tv, Ballinran Entertainment has increased its reach. Combining the social-media presence of both organizations will also help to cultivate an even wider audience for this programming. Moreover, the enhanced collaboration provides valuable opportunities for local businesses and brands through targeted sponsorship, supporting the development of new and impactful productions.

Not only will Rogers broadcast Stratford content on its television channel, but Thompson says there is also an opportunity for local content to be shared on Rogers tv Waterloo Region’s YouTube channel and streaming platform.

"Rogers tv has a long and proud history of community engagement,” said Rogers tv Waterloo Region station manager Patti Berardi in a press release. “Our continued collaboration with a respected local production studio like Ballinran allows us to enhance our programming lineup. Our viewers benefit from this expanded partnership through engaging, locally produced content that speaks directly to their interests and experiences."

Thompson says this is another way for Stratford content producers to share uniquely Stratford stories with a larger audience in the surrounding region.

“We have to come together collectively and collaborate on what kind of ideas will work for Rogers, and then how to fund it through advertising or sponsorships,” Thompson said. “Right now, the content partnership is for all of our existing and pre-funded programming, but if anybody has a good idea and a way of paying for it, we have a carte-blanche to produce stuff for Rogers.”

Companies and brands interested in sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to connect early to be part of this initiative which comes at a time when Stratford must look to expand its focus on attracting regional visitors from southwestern Ontario.

For more information on becoming a sponsor, contact Ballinran Entertainment directly at action@ballinran.com.